Top NFL Quarterbacks Ranked by Key Skills: Arm Strength, Accuracy, and More

Dan Orlovsky ranks the top NFL quarterbacks in seven key skill areas, including arm strength, accuracy, and rushing ability, highlighting the best performers for the 2025 season.

Arm Strength

  1. Josh Allen, Bills
  2. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
  3. Justin Herbert, Chargers
  4. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
  5. Matthew Stafford, Rams
  6. Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers
  7. Joe Burrow, Bengals
  8. Caleb Williams, Bears
  9. Michael Penix Jr., Falcons
  10. Jordan Love, Packers

Arm strength is crucial for quarterbacks, especially when it comes to making tight-window throws downfield. Josh Allen leads this category with his ability to drive the ball with authority.

Ball Placement

  1. Joe Burrow, Bengals
  2. Jayden Daniels, Commanders
  3. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
  4. Josh Allen, Bills
  5. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
  6. Matthew Stafford, Rams
  7. Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins
  8. Brock Purdy, 49ers
  9. Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers
  10. Geno Smith, Raiders

Ball placement is about precision and the ability to put the ball where only the receiver can make a play. Joe Burrow excels in this area, consistently delivering accurate passes.

Mechanics

  1. Joe Burrow, Bengals
  2. Jayden Daniels, Commanders
  3. Matthew Stafford, Rams
  4. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
  5. Josh Allen, Bills
  6. C.J. Stroud, Texans
  7. Geno Smith, Raiders
  8. Dak Prescott, Cowboys
  9. Jared Goff, Lions
  10. Justin Herbert, Chargers

Mechanics are essential for a quarterback's consistency. Joe Burrow's smooth and repeatable throwing motion sets him apart.

Decision-Making

  1. Joe Burrow, Bengals
  2. Josh Allen, Bills
  3. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
  4. Jayden Daniels, Commanders
  5. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
  6. Matthew Stafford, Rams
  7. Justin Herbert, Chargers
  8. Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins
  9. Jalen Hurts, Eagles
  10. Bo Nix, Broncos

Decision-making is critical, especially when plays break down. Joe Burrow leads this category with his ability to make the right call under pressure.

Pocket Presence

  1. Joe Burrow, Bengals
  2. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
  3. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
  4. C.J. Stroud, Texans
  5. Brock Purdy, 49ers
  6. Josh Allen, Bills
  7. Geno Smith, Raiders
  8. Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers
  9. Bryce Young, Panthers
  10. Jayden Daniels, Commanders

Pocket presence is about staying calm and avoiding pressure. Joe Burrow's ability to create space in the pocket is unmatched.

Rushing Ability

  1. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
  2. Jalen Hurts, Eagles
  3. Josh Allen, Bills
  4. Jayden Daniels, Commanders
  5. Justin Fields, Jets
  6. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
  7. Kyler Murray, Cardinals
  8. Justin Herbert, Chargers
  9. Brock Purdy, 49ers
  10. Caleb Williams, Bears

Rushing ability is a key trait for modern quarterbacks. Lamar Jackson leads this category with his speed and elusiveness.

Second-Reaction Ability

  1. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
  2. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
  3. Josh Allen, Bills
  4. Jayden Daniels, Commanders
  5. Jalen Hurts, Eagles
  6. Kyler Murray, Cardinals
  7. Joe Burrow, Bengals
  8. Caleb Williams, Bears
  9. Drake Maye, Patriots
  10. Bo Nix, Broncos

Second-reaction ability is about making plays when the called play breaks down. Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes are elite in this area.

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